ROYAL PLAYA DEL CARMEN BRIDES: were kids allowed for the day? ...and other questions

[kellygrrrl]

hey jen - libby is right about the entree selection. you can have guests choose one of two (fish or beef, perhaps?), but you have to signify that to the waitstaff using a visual element like a sticker on a placecard. depending on which menu you have, I think the beef filet tourneado (sp?) was a top pick, along with the snapper.

 

don't worry about it being peak wedding season, harass away. the off-site coordinators are located in CANCUN, meaning that YOU WILL NEVER MEET THEM. I'm not saying to abuse them, just realize that they will in no way, shape, or form be handling your wedding on-site. and all they do is iterate the Royal's policies, so you can't bribe them either. email, call, do whatever you have to in order to get the information you need. and don't feel bad about it for a second.

 

if you have access to an iPad (or laptop), I'd put the slideshow on there. that way, it's portable and can be passed around at dinner. however, there will probably be so much going on that people won't have time to look at it. maybe you could keep it with you throughout your stay, but I don't know that it will be the focal point unless you're in the ballroom.

 

if I remember correctly, there isn't a fee for the iPod/speakers, but they will charge you $100 if you'd like one of their staff members to run it for you. I think the girls who have done this have concluded money well spent. also per libby, there's a charge for the light up dance floor. although it's small, it looks pretty awesome. it was hefty, though ($900?), but I think it's well worth it if you're going all out. however, I think I'd first opt for the DJ. we saw a couple beach receptions, and they were having so much fun (both had the DJ and the lighted dance floor).

 

speaking of money well spent, my wedding was a la carte (no package), and I got a cocktail hour with both hot and cold appetizers for only $10 per Royal guest. you should've seen the spread they set up for a mere $100 - incredible!! and everyone loved the apps - meatballs, etc. unfortunately, FI and I were too busy taking pictures and missed the entire thing, but our guests raved about it. the only downside is that they weren't hungry for dinner, but that allowed me to skip the apps there and go straight to soup/salad and then entree.

 

 

libby - we didn't end up doing a first look. I was rushed even just getting to the ceremony on time, and when I'd asked Del Sol about a first look previously, they were sort of like, "huh...? what do you mean 'see each other before the ceremony.' " because they have two photogs there, they capture both your look and his as you're going down the aisle, so they don't see much need for it. if we had done it, I would've used one of the nice hallways or the atrium areas towards the main pool where you sometimes check in (there are desks). probably would've been a lighting nightmare due to the shade. at any rate, I'm sure all the Del Sol photogs have shot numerous weddings at the Royal and could recommend some spots. if you're getting married on the beach, I'd use the gazebo, and possibly vice versa (although the privacy thing would be an issue on the beach).

 

we chose Jonathan, the crazy Italian, who has shot more than 700 weddings. we were even asking him what to do like, 'do I take off my engagement ring and then he puts on the band?' (the answer is yes). Juan was the second shooter - both were great!! I can't remember what he said, but at one point Jonathan made me laugh so hard that he had to stop shooting. he has a very quiet, wry sense of humor. subtle but hillarious. ; )

 

ok, I gotta get to bed tonight at some point. goodnight all you planning ladies!

 

Originally Posted by jenguitard 

Wow lot's happening here in the past few weeks!! Congrats to the recent brides and newly engaged!!  Kelly! I love the pic of you and your new hubby on the swing!! That is def on my list for our photographer!

 

I have a couple questions...

 

I am wondering if our guests will have the option to pick their entree?  We are doing a private reception either at or in the gazebo.  And if they do have a option should I have them RSVP their choice or do they choose during the dinner service?  I would like to send out our formal invites within the next couple months and if they need to choose I want to have them do this through our wedding website RSVP...but I need to know what options to include.

 

I have put my deposit about a month or so ago now and Maritza said she would be sending me the catalogues soon...but I haven't gotten anything yet.  I have not tried to email her as from this website I assume this is the busiest time for weddings.  But when should I start to be worried if she doesn't send them?

 

My MOH would like to put a slideshow together for us.  Has anyone done this or plan to?  If so does the Royal provide a projection screen/laptop?

 

We are planning to use a ipod and speakers for our reception.  Is there a fee for this? And is a dance floor provided? And again a fee for the dancefloor?

 

Ok I think that's it for now! Thanks in advance ladies!

 

Originally Posted by LibbyU21 

Hey kellygrrl,

 

Congrats!  Where did you all do your first look?  I haven't been to the resort before, but I've been wondering where we could do it that would be both private and beautiful.  I know I probably won't be able to really figure it out till I'm there, but I'm just too excited and curious!

 

Who did you use from del Sol?  I'm going to be working with Melissa, plus an assistant.

 

 

 

Originally Posted by LibbyU21 

Hey jenguitard,

 

Which catalogues are you looking for?  They have the bouquets, centerpieces, cakes, etc on their website under the downloads page.  

 

I was told we could give our guests a choice of two entree options, but they all have to have the same salad, soup, etc.  Their choices are due when final payment and everything else is due, 45 days before the event.  And you have to be able to signify which guests what (different place cards or something).

 

I asked about a slideshow set up for our rehearsal dinner, which we're doing on the beach, and was told there was an additional $350 fee to set up a TV/DVD to play it.  My finance thought that was really crazy, his exact words were "so we're basically borrowing a TV for 5 minutes for what it costs to by a new TV?" Haha, so we abandoned that idea...  They do have projection screens in the ballroom, but I don't know if theres a charge for that.

 

There shouldn't be an additional charge for iPod/speaker set up, and I think the basic wooden dance floor is included, but if you want the light up dance floor, that costs extra.

 

 

 

 

[deniden]

Originally Posted by jenguitard 

 

Wow lot's happening here in the past few weeks!! Congrats to the recent brides and newly engaged!!  Kelly! I love the pic of you and your new hubby on the swing!! That is def on my list for our photographer!

 

I have a couple questions...

 

I am wondering if our guests will have the option to pick their entree?  We are doing a private reception either at or in the gazebo.  And if they do have a option should I have them RSVP their choice or do they choose during the dinner service?  I would like to send out our formal invites within the next couple months and if they need to choose I want to have them do this through our wedding website RSVP...but I need to know what options to include.

 

I have put my deposit about a month or so ago now and Maritza said she would be sending me the catalogues soon...but I haven't gotten anything yet.  I have not tried to email her as from this website I assume this is the busiest time for weddings.  But when should I start to be worried if she doesn't send them?

 

My MOH would like to put a slideshow together for us.  Has anyone done this or plan to?  If so does the Royal provide a projection screen/laptop?

 

We are planning to use a ipod and speakers for our reception.  Is there a fee for this? And is a dance floor provided? And again a fee for the dancefloor?

 

Ok I think that's it for now! Thanks in advance ladies!

 

We chose 2 entrees (my off-site coordinator, Ana, told me we could pick from any menu - we did the Beef Filet with Dijon Mustard & Provencial Herbs and the Chicken Casablanca stuffed w/ Seafood) and then our guests had to pick from one of those two options. We had to turn in the final numbers 45 days out of who wanted what. We also had 1 person who got the vegetarian meal, and we were able to pick which of the vegetarian meals she wanted.

[clarissalu3]

Originally Posted by marooon13 

 

Did you email the resort or call them? I emailed them yesterday but am wondering if it would be more efficient to call.

Are you trying to email them to reserve a date? I just emailed Patricia Romero( [email protected]). She was great at answering any questions I had before I put down my deposit. Once I did my deposit, she assigned me a wedding planner.

 

[marooon13]

I spoke with claudy on the phone and she emailed me a form to fill out (names, date, ceremony and reception location, etc.) but I have yet to hear anything back. I'm ready to put down my deposit! lol

 

Originally Posted by clarissalu3 

Are you trying to email them to reserve a date? I just emailed Patricia Romero( [email protected]). She was great at answering any questions I had before I put down my deposit. Once I did my deposit, she assigned me a wedding planner.
 

[jenguitard]

Originally Posted by LibbyU21 

 

Hey jenguitard,

 

Which catalogues are you looking for?  They have the bouquets, centerpieces, cakes, etc on their website under the downloads page.  

 

I was told we could give our guests a choice of two entree options, but they all have to have the same salad, soup, etc.  Their choices are due when final payment and everything else is due, 45 days before the event.  And you have to be able to signify which guests what (different place cards or something).

 

I asked about a slideshow set up for our rehearsal dinner, which we're doing on the beach, and was told there was an additional $350 fee to set up a TV/DVD to play it.  My finance thought that was really crazy, his exact words were "so we're basically borrowing a TV for 5 minutes for what it costs to by a new TV?" Haha, so we abandoned that idea...  They do have projection screens in the ballroom, but I don't know if theres a charge for that.

 

There shouldn't be an additional charge for iPod/speaker set up, and I think the basic wooden dance floor is included, but if you want the light up dance floor, that costs extra.

 

 

 

 

Hmm well I'm not entirely sure which catalogues...Maritza just said she would be sending "catalogues and the prices".  I did see the bouquets and that on the website but I thought there would be something more detailed with the menu options, what is served at cocktail hour...etc??

 

How did you have guests let you know on what their entree choice was? 

 

Ahh this 350$ fee....seems to be the going rate for everything! LOL I agree with you guys no way its worth that! We can maybe do a guest book with some baby pics or something.  

 

Thanks!

[jenguitard]

Originally Posted by LibbyU21 

 

Hey jenguitard,

 

Which catalogues are you looking for?  They have the bouquets, centerpieces, cakes, etc on their website under the downloads page.  Hmm well I am not exactly sure what catalogues I am looking for...Maritza just said "I will send you catalogues and prices" when I asked her "what happens now?" after I put my deposit down. Lol kinda clueless from the get go.  I did see the bouquets etc on the website but I thought there would be something more detailed...?

 

I was told we could give our guests a choice of two entree options, but they all have to have the same salad, soup, etc.  Their choices are due when final payment and everything else is due, 45 days before the event.  And you have to be able to signify which guests what (different place cards or something).How are you having your guests let you know their choice? Wedding website RSVP? Or mailed with invites?

 

I asked about a slideshow set up for our rehearsal dinner, which we're doing on the beach, and was told there was an additional $350 fee to set up a TV/DVD to play it.  My finance thought that was really crazy, his exact words were "so we're basically borrowing a TV for 5 minutes for what it costs to by a new TV?" Haha, so we abandoned that idea...  They do have projection screens in the ballroom, but I don't know if theres a charge for that. Geeze...seems like this 350$ fee goes for everything!  I agree with you that no way it's worth it!  I will let the MOH know.

 

There shouldn't be an additional charge for iPod/speaker set up, and I think the basic wooden dance floor is included, but if you want the light up dance floor, that costs extra.  We will only have about 25-30 guests so I think the wooden dance floor is perfect..and no 350$ fee..I'll take it!! lol

 

 

 

 

[jenguitard]

Originally Posted by deniden 

 

 

We chose 2 entrees (my off-site coordinator, Ana, told me we could pick from any menu - we did the Beef Filet with Dijon Mustard & Provencial Herbs and the Chicken Casablanca stuffed w/ Seafood) and then our guests had to pick from one of those two options. We had to turn in the final numbers 45 days out of who wanted what. We also had 1 person who got the vegetarian meal, and we were able to pick which of the vegetarian meals she wanted.

Perfect! Thanks I think we will do the same options.  Mmmm making me hungry!

[jenguitard]

Originally Posted by deniden 

 

 

We chose 2 entrees (my off-site coordinator, Ana, told me we could pick from any menu - we did the Beef Filet with Dijon Mustard & Provencial Herbs and the Chicken Casablanca stuffed w/ Seafood) and then our guests had to pick from one of those two options. We had to turn in the final numbers 45 days out of who wanted what. We also had 1 person who got the vegetarian meal, and we were able to pick which of the vegetarian meals she wanted.

Perfect! Thanks I think we will do the same options.  Mmmm making me hungry!

[jenguitard]

Originally Posted by kellygrrrl 

hey jen - libby is right about the entree selection. you can have guests choose one of two (fish or beef, perhaps?), but you have to signify that to the waitstaff using a visual element like a sticker on a placecard. depending on which menu you have, I think the beef filet tourneado (sp?) was a top pick, along with the snapper. I thought I would somehow get away with doing self seating since it's a small wedding...but the more I think about it prob not the best idea!

 

don't worry about it being peak wedding season, harass away. the off-site coordinators are located in CANCUN, meaning that YOU WILL NEVER MEET THEM. I'm not saying to abuse them, just realize that they will in no way, shape, or form be handling your wedding on-site. and all they do is iterate the Royal's policies, so you can't bribe them either. email, call, do whatever you have to in order to get the information you need. and don't feel bad about it for a second.

 

if you have access to an iPad (or laptop), I'd put the slideshow on there. that way, it's portable and can be passed around at dinner. however, there will probably be so much going on that people won't have time to look at it. maybe you could keep it with you throughout your stay, but I don't know that it will be the focal point unless you're in the ballroom. I think we will just can the idea of the slideshow.  Usually ends up not going according to plan anyways at weddings...usually some sort of technical problem and the 350$ fee is so not worth it!

 

if I remember correctly, there isn't a fee for the iPod/speakers, but they will charge you $100 if you'd like one of their staff members to run it for you. I think the girls who have done this have concluded money well spent. also per libby, there's a charge for the light up dance floor. although it's small, it looks pretty awesome. it was hefty, though ($900?), but I think it's well worth it if you're going all out. however, I think I'd first opt for the DJ. we saw a couple beach receptions, and they were having so much fun (both had the DJ and the lighted dance floor). We def want to keep things simple...I agree though the light up dance floor does look pretty awesome but just can't justify it! I am also thinking we will have a MC (likely the best man) so they can manage the ipod.  We are thinking max 25-30 people so I think we can get away with running playlists.

 

speaking of money well spent, my wedding was a la carte (no package), and I got a cocktail hour with both hot and cold appetizers for only $10 per Royal guest. you should've seen the spread they set up for a mere $100 - incredible!! and everyone loved the apps - meatballs, etc. unfortunately, FI and I were too busy taking pictures and missed the entire thing, but our guests raved about it. the only downside is that they weren't hungry for dinner, but that allowed me to skip the apps there and go straight to soup/salad and then entree. Yes these are things I want to start deciding..the food!! I think we have picked the classic wedding so still not completely sure what this includes!

 

 

libby - we didn't end up doing a first look. I was rushed even just getting to the ceremony on time, and when I'd asked Del Sol about a first look previously, they were sort of like, "huh...? what do you mean 'see each other before the ceremony.' " because they have two photogs there, they capture both your look and his as you're going down the aisle, so they don't see much need for it. if we had done it, I would've used one of the nice hallways or the atrium areas towards the main pool where you sometimes check in (there are desks). probably would've been a lighting nightmare due to the shade. at any rate, I'm sure all the Del Sol photogs have shot numerous weddings at the Royal and could recommend some spots. if you're getting married on the beach, I'd use the gazebo, and possibly vice versa (although the privacy thing would be an issue on the beach).

 

we chose Jonathan, the crazy Italian, who has shot more than 700 weddings. we were even asking him what to do like, 'do I take off my engagement ring and then he puts on the band?' (the answer is yes). Juan was the second shooter - both were great!! I can't remember what he said, but at one point Jonathan made me laugh so hard that he had to stop shooting. he has a very quiet, wry sense of humor. subtle but hillarious. ; )

 

ok, I gotta get to bed tonight at some point. goodnight all you planning ladies!

 

 

 

[jenguitard]

Originally Posted by jenguitard 

 

Hmm well I'm not entirely sure which catalogues...Maritza just said she would be sending "catalogues and the prices".  I did see the bouquets and that on the website but I thought there would be something more detailed with the menu options, what is served at cocktail hour...etc??

 

How did you have guests let you know on what their entree choice was? 

 

Ahh this 350$ fee....seems to be the going rate for everything! LOL I agree with you guys no way its worth that! We can maybe do a guest book with some baby pics or something.  

 

Thanks!

Eek it didn't post this at first! It had just vanished.. I had to retype it...sorry for the multiple posts...